Hennessy VSOP Privilege Cognac is a cognac that is at least 4 years old, aged in Limousin oak barrels. Hennessy VSOP (Very Superior Old Pine, the "s" can also be "Special") price tag is at 38 or $ 45.
After finishing and enjoying this bottle, I had to look up and see how much a replacement would cost. When I saw it was only $35, I thought it was going to be a regular staple. Then I realized this was the Privilege, which runs about $70. Despite normally being a frugal cheapskate, I think I will be buying a new bottle.
** As a disclaimer, I inherited this bottle from a roommate for free, so the value for money is definitely 5 stars.
I had a snifter of Hennessy VSOP earlier this evening at a restaurant following a pleasant dinner, and Iit was an ideal finishing touch to a fine meal. My previous experience with Hennessy Cognac was the VS or 3 star variety. I had previously been somewhat disappointed with the brand until this evening. The VSOP was very pleasant and satisfying, to say the least.
Nose: this is the most difficult for me to analyze, since the nose seems rather complex, and rather weak. Taste is better than nose, and I would describe it a s flavorfully complex but with definite honeyilike sweetness and significant tones of vanilla, and stronger hints of the oak from the casks. Not much in terms of floral or fruit hints to my palate. The finish initially a tad rough but became much smoother as time passed, and with a definite oak character. Long and decently satisfying. Compares well to the Courvoisier VSOP. A bit pricier, however and thereby ranked a bit lower in value for the money,
You may think, that with Hennessy’s ability to innovate and push boundaries, they are a thoroughly ‘modern’ Cognac brand. This is a large part of their immense success and influence. The very French brand based in the Charente region, in fact, dates all the way back to 1765 - to Ireland - but have managed to shapeshift enough times to remain more relevant than ever before - with current Master Blender Renaud Fillioux. Their range of uber-trendy products is ever expanding, and their marketing campaigns all the more captivating. There is no doubt that ‘Henny’ culture is alive and kicking: both Cognac and a fifth of Hennessy are mentioned in what seems like hundreds of songs.
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Courvoisier de Napoléon. No matter from VS though XO. It is the best Cognac for à real conoisseur.
At four years old it has hardly had time to catch breath - let alone mature... No worries though, lots of caramel will cover up some of the harshness...
This is an excellent cognac that I grew up with. My dad used to drink this as well as the XO. Although it might be a little pricey, after I do the math ($50 per 750ml), each 1 oz serving is only about $2.00 which is cheaper than a serving of some "brand name" coffee. This VSOP is flavourful especially towards the end of it, after sitting in the snifter on my palm for more than half an hour, it tastes like sweet raisin juice. Savour it slowly to enjoy the layers of flavours. Cheers!
excellent value when you consider it's not cookie cutter VS/VSOP/XO range. but depending on where you place this one, you'll either appreciate it or hate it. i think this one has good characteristics of a well blended eau de vie, but too dry and short finish on my palate.
Excellent choice within price range. Almost impossible to find better eau de vie liquid at this price range. I enjoy Hennessy VSOP as well, but where as Hennessy is clean and dry, this one has deeper aromas and taste that lingers into long finish. definite must for anyone who enjoys superior quality beverage; especially with attractive pricing!
This is a really good product, one of my favorite VSOPs. Its a little pricey, around $50 a 750 ml bottle. Hennessy Privilege has a dark appearance and more of a dry taste when compared to Remy Martin or Courvoisier VSOP.
This is a nice cognac, but a tad too expensive for the quality. The first sip is a little astringent. Subsequent sips are smoother and the flavors do linger on the tongue. Once downed, it's satisfying, but not exceptional. But then again, I'm comparing it to my favorite, 7-yerar old Château De Beaulon.
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